Dell Dimension XPS H233, Reference Manual

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Beep Codes and System Messages A-1
Appendix A
Beep Codes and System Messages
Y
our application programs, the operating system, the
ISA Configuration Utility, and the computer itself are
capable of providing you with certain system error and
status information. This information may take the form of
a beep code that sounds through the computer’s speaker
or a status or error message that appears on the monitor
screen.
This appendix provides the information necessary for
interpreting the beep codes and system messages gener-
ated by the system basic input/output system (BIOS) and
the ISA Configuration Utility. For other error messages,
see the documentation for your application program or
operating system.
NOTE: The error messages and beep codes found in the
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide apply only to
Dell OptiPlex® systems; they do not correspond to the
beep codes and error messages associated with your Dell
Dimension computer system. Use this appendix and not
the Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide to interpret
error messages and beep codes.
P
OST Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, the
computer may emit a series of beeps that identifies the
problem. The beep code is a pattern of sounds that identi-
fies a specific condition. For example, a burst of three
beeps (beep code 3) means that a memory error occurred
in the first 64 kilobytes (KB) of random-access memory
(RAM). As another example, one beep followed by a
burst of three beeps (beep code 1-3) indicates that no
monitor is connected to the computer. Except for beep
code 8, the conditions signaled by the beep codes prevent
the system from completing the boot routine.
NOTE: It is normal for the computer to emit a single
beep during the boot routine. This beep is not considered
a beep code unless the computer is unable to complete
the boot routine.
When the system emits a beep code, write it down and
then find it in Table A-1. Table A-1 either provides a cor-
rective action or helps you obtain technical assistance.